PLAYERS TO WATCH
–RB Benny Snell is the real deal for the Wildcats. He has rushed for 375 yards in the three games, which is second to the 399 of Texas A&M’s Trayveon Williams in the SEC. He will be up against a Mississippi State defense that has held opponents to just 85 yards a game.
–WR Lynn Bowden was considered Kentucky’s prize recruit in 2017 and is beginning to show why. After catching 17 passes in transitioning from quarterback last year, he has already matched that total in just three games. His 17 catches have been good for 185 yards and a touchdown. Eight of the catches for 89 yards came last week against Murray State. “He’s playing better with every opportunity,” coach Mark Stoops said.
–LB Jeff Allen is Kentucky’s defensive leader. He made the play that secured the win over Florida by forcing a fumble on the Gators’ final play and has been credited with two sacks to lead the Wildcats in that category. He also has broken up a pass.
–LB Daniel Kash is the team’s leading tackler with 25 stops and consistently earns Stoops’ praise for his continued dedication to the program. He is still looking for his first sack but has been given credit for four quarterback hurries.
SERIES HISTORY: Mississippi State leads Kentucky 23-22. The Bulldogs have won eight of the last nine meetings, including a 45-7 rout in Starkville last year.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “He’s fresh. He’s only played in two games and it hasn’t been close, so he looks good.” — Coach Mark Stoops, on Mississippi State QB Nick Fitzgerald, who was suspended the first game of the season.
